Abstract: A die casting process for making castings by means of a horizontally oriented cold-chamber die casting machine comprises the steps of advancing a casting piston in the casting chamber from a starting position for ejecting the molten metal dosage from the casting chamber; and withdrawing the casting piston into the starting position. The withdrawing step includes the step of passing over metal residues adhering to walls of the casting chamber. Subsequent to the withdrawing step and prior to the charging step of a successive cycle, the casting piston is advanced in the casting chamber void of molten metal dosage for ejecting the metal residues by the casting piston from the charging chamber and returning the casting piston into its starting position.